RIDE OR DIE | Taylor Aplas, Instructor
Get to know Taylor – a Vancouver-born Ossington Instructor, Taylor knows how to command the room with a motivating yet laid-back vibe. On and off the bike, she’s inspiring, fun(ny), kind and loves a good challenge.
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Vancouver! Not far from the (recently announced) Kits studio.
Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an instructor?
Yes! I was visiting home and one of my best friends Saff told me I had to come with her to try this “amazing new spin studio that just opened in Yaletown”. I remember being sooooo sooooo bad my first class. I couldn’t find the beat for at least 50% of the songs and could not figure out choreo for the life of me. But I love a good challenge. Funnily enough I fell in love with everything about RIDE immediately, and pretty much knew right away I wanted to be an Instructor. I harassed Ash from that day forward to open a studio in Toronto, and here we are!
How would you describe your teaching style?
Demanding, but fun. Love/hate – right Jonathan??? I play music that makes me feel something, and I hope others feel something too.
Best part of being an Instructor is…
Seeing people make progress, achieve goals, and get hooked. RIDE has always been both a physical and mental release for me, and I see that for others as well. It’s really special to be able to have an impact on a positive part of clients lives, and to be positively impacted by them too.
Track you’ve had on repeat
Womp Womp– Valee feat. Jeremih
AM or PM rides?
PM hands down. But I do LOVE my Friday 7AM – shoutout to all my regulars.
Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?
Anything that makes me sweat a ridiculous amount. Boxing, running, circuit training. You name it.
How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?
It’s funny – if you ask anyone who knows me outside of RIDE, they can never picture me strapping on a mic and yelling at 50+ people in a sports bra. But it’s one of the places I feel most comfortable and confident. Go figure.
Go-to quote or words to live by?
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
What’s your #1 life hack?
See above!!!
Who motivates you?
At RIDE, the entire community – from riders, to front desk staff, to all of the other Instructors.
In life, (this is so corny but I am soft okay!!!!) – My mom. My family. My friends.
Favourite book?
A past favorite is Brain on Fire. I’m currently reading Sapiens (a little late to the game, I know) which I’ve heard nothing but good things about.
Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?
Probably drinking a cold wheat beer on a patio. Saturdays almost always consist of a good sweat, good food, and good friends.
Any hidden or not so hidden talents?
I’m a cat whisperer.
If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be and why?
Brené Brown. I’ve always been a big fan of hers – she’s intelligent and inspiring, and an amazing storyteller. Oh also, I recently watched a 10/10 Ted Talk with Halla Tomasdottir – she’s a boss. I would love to meet her in person.
Best memory since you joined RIDE?
So many good ones! Training in the UNDRGRND. Our trainee trip to Vancouver where we rode 13 classes in 3 days and almost died (thanks Ash and Julie). Teaching my first class in Toronto. And then in Vancouver with family and friends. The Ossington Tire event. The Spice Girls RIDE. The list goes on.
#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?
Trust the process. Leave everything at the door and let yourself experience whatever the next hour has in store for you.
What has you stoked on life right now?
Exploring my new neighborhood. Oh and I have lots of exciting weekend trips lined up!!
What does RIDE mean to you?
It’s hard to put into words. RIDE is so much more than a “spin class”. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s therapeutic. RIDE has definitely changed my life for the better – it’s a constant that I couldn’t live without.
Find Taylor on the Ossington Schedule.
